Mainstream country artist Camaron Ochs, known by her stage name as Cam, has been moved from the country-centric Sony imprint Arista Nashville, to the Sony-owned all-genre RCA Records out of New York, according to reports. Her profile page on Sony Music Nashville’s website has been removed, and according to Christopher Baggs of Townsquare Media’s WYRK, Arista Nashville will no longer be promoting Cam’s music to country radio. That includes her current single “Road To Happiness,” which was released on July 12th.

Cam was originally signed by Doug Morris of Sony Music Entertainment after meeting with the executive in New York in November of 2013. She was assigned to Arista Nashville officially in 2014, and released her first single called “My Mistake,” which failed to chart in the Top 50. However her second single “Burning House,” which was the song that won Sony’s Doug Morris over originally, became a surprise hit in 2015, ending up at #2 on country airplay charts, and eventually was certified Platinum by the RIAA. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award, as well as multiple CMA and ACM Awards.

But subsequent Cam singles have struggled. 2016’s “Mayday” only reached #36 on the airplay charts. Her Dolly Parton-inspired “Diane” stalled at #43, and the recent “Road To Happiness” was failing to find early traction as well. Though critical reception for her music has been strong, the lack of radio play or a strong grassroots following built from touring put Cam in peril.

Attempts by Saving Country Music to confirm Cam’s status with Sony Music were not successful, however Cam tweeted out Thursday afternoon, “Rebirth. New Music. Same Sony Family @RCARecords #RoadToHappiness.” Cam’s publicist would not confirm or deny officially that Cam has moved from Artista Nashville to RCA Records, but simply responded with, “There are some exciting changes in the works and will let you know when all firmed up…”

Cam has recently been opening for British pop singer Sam Smith on tour, taking an unconventional approach after being unable to find stable traction through customary mainstream country channels. Moving to the non-genre-specific RCA Records out of New York would be a similar play for the singer. She also just recently announced her own “Road To Happiness” Tour, which includes 16 dates starting in late September. Cam just signed to booking agency WME in January.

No word yet on what is next for Cam or what will happen with the “Road To Happiness” single, but there’s a good chance it may may not involve the country industry moving forward.

30 Comments

This sucks, i thought she was severely mismanaged early on. I felt that she had 2 or 3 big hits that were released either as a stand-alone single or an EP and never given the proper push. I feel that “Down This Road”, “My Mistake” and “Half Broke Heart” could have all been hits for her with some decent backing. The only one released of those was “My Mistake” and it was not given the type of backing it should have. She is coming to Austin in October and I was looking forward to going to see her, I am curious if this is going to change her approach at all on her tour with the type of songs she will sing.

This is strange. There’s no way that she can compete in mainstream pop. I was actually introduced to her with “Down This Road,” before her “Burning House” breakthrough. “Diane” deserved to do better. She reminds me of Maggie Rose, who I also thought had real potential in mainstream country. Maggie has been doing some excellent stuff, albeit not strictly country, through her YouTube account.

Nashville in the pre-2000 era could have easily taken someone like Cam or Maggie Rose (and a dozen other women) and cultivated their talent.

I think she might be having an identity crisis, and it might have to do with the cultural and political sorting of Americans into urban/progressive and rural/conservative camps.

Cam has recorded some good songs. She seems to have some appreciation of the country music genre. But I think deep down in her heart she may not identify as a rural American, which is a big part of the what the genre is about. I’ve gotten a progressive vibe from her. I think she has made feminist statements, e.g. about gender gaps. Sometimes she will sing decent country music but she seems to be portraying it in a retro kind of way, separate from her personal identity. I am not at all surprised about her move to pop music, even if she is not likely to fit into the pop mainstream. I think this move is about Cam finally admitting that she ain’t one of us.

I know her but have been put aside from contributing to her understanding of country – and then ‘country music’. She’s been listening to people who have never known the spirit of the American countryside. Unfortunate. Great talent, though.

I think anyone who saw her get a standing ovation from a stripped down version of Burning House by fellow artists knows she’s the real ‘musical’ deal. But country is country and there’s a spirit about it that has to be felt, understood and appreciated. You can learn ‘country’ and you can even be adopted by ‘country.’ But the well will run dry if you don’t understand where the water comes from.

I really enjoyed Diane. Its sad that people who profess to be country dont just continue doing what they love instead of trying all genres to remain signed. If you aint getting a hit and your label aint happy. Screw them put out your own music. If it really is just about the music.

I like some of Cam’s music .However as with so many artists in these times , she seems lost as to who she is musically ( Sara Evans , Jana Kramer , Nettles )….and consequently so is any potential Cam fanbase . If she had recorded REAL country music , she would likely still be with the country wing of ‘ the company ‘and promoted accordingly . If she’d been straight-up pop , she’d never have been misplaced in the country camp in the first place . The other night she performed on national TV with TRAIN …a straight-up pop band .Trying to be all things to all people , fans , radio and labels usually results in head-scratching and marketing questions…unless a huge hit results from all of the trials and errors by accident . Of course in these times , every other ‘country’ artist is facing this challenge .

She’s talented , Cam has a great voice …perhaps not unique enough to rise above the din…but she’s a great singer . When Burning House did so well I remember commenting that I thought it was a fluke that it was seemingly accepted by country radio and that I felt she’d have difficulty following up the success of that song .I’m not surprised that’s been the case .You REALLY need to have a wildly popular song( -shitty or not, apparently ) to be noticed and gain some traction . Or do what Rexha does to get noticed ….show people your chest !!!

Cam is an artist too good for what mainstream has become . And there are so many artists like that its frightening . I wish her tons of luck in finding a direction and material worthy of her talents.

I liked the first album hopefully she’ll put out a decent 2nd album that’s more Country than Pop. She’s headlining Joe’s Live here in October so I’ll be able to judge her in a full headline concert atmosphere a little more. Maybe even a few new tunes?

I was unfortunately subjected to mainstream country music radio recently and was surprised to hear something I liked…it was “Diane”. even more surprised when I found out it was Cam. I guess I shouldn’t be shocked it wasn’t met with much success.

I also enjoyed “Diane” although I first discovered it from a friend who also liked the song sharing it with me and not from radio. Nevertheless, I figured it wouldn’t be a big hit, despite being more adult contemporary/pop in sound than country, because it was from a woman whose name wasn’t Carrie Underwood.

“Burning House” got some airtime on adult contemporary stations, for what it’s worth. I know syndicated AC night host Delilah played it a bit.

She never struck me as closer to pop-rock singer-songwriter than country. I doubt she’ll ever have another big hit in Nashville, so it makes sense to move her and try to carve out a fan base outside the mainstream a la Kacey Musgraves.

Hey Trigger, I know this is totally off topic for this article, but I’m curious what your thoughts are on the new direction that Houndmouth is taking. I loved their Neon Limelight album, and I think I remember you covered it on this site. Their new album is a complete deviation from their previous ones. Personally, I’m disappointed in the new style, but I’m curious if you have any thoughts on it.

Cam grew up in the San Francisco bay area, a progressive bastion. With the culture wars and the polarization of America, I would speculate that she might be conflicted about whether or not she wants to be identified as a country singer. Kind of like how some girls around here have been brainwashed into being confused about whether they are straight or bisexual. Living on the outskirts of a white flight suburb in the bay area where some people still listen to country music but don’t admit it as much as they used to, I think I can relate to what she might be going through.

Well everything’s always rosy in the mainstream. The Band Perry felt the same way switching labels. Heard from them lately? Not saying that will happen to Cam. I really have no idea what to expect from this, but I do think it’s interesting news, and worth following to see where it leads.

She canceled the Chicago date as well as the whole Fall tour saying it has something to do with label……..yadda yadda yadda. I dunno…. sounds fishy. Maybe pre sales were too low for many of the shows? Maybe new label not chipping in tour support $$$?